Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. — 1 Peter 4:9
I was encouraged by this story, sent to me by Chris, a Discoveries reader. I don’t think I need to comment on this – the fingerprints of God are all over it.
I remember a couple at a church we attended in Spain. They were retired, and he had many health problems. We were told by many that they had the "gift of hospitality". We wondered how, since they had so little. Maria and Jose approached us one Sunday and invited us to dinner the following Sunday. We were expecting, but dreading the invitation, as we knew they could barely afford to feed themselves, let alone others. We determined to eat "lightly" and to at least bring the wine and some flowers, customary of guests in Spain.
The following Sunday, we entered Maria and Jose’s home and were greeted not only with kisses and hugs, but a wonderful aroma of herbs and foods. I went into the kitchen to watch. (a guest does not help, nor do they bring a dish, they only may watch in Spain) She prepared a wonderful meal, complete with soup, salad, fresh bread, a main dish with meats and vegetables, and a dessert. We had coffee after the dessert and praised Maria for the delicious meal.
She proceeded to tell us about her Friday market day. She took her basket, and began to talk to Father. "you know Carlos and Cristina are coming for dinner and we have nothing but coffee…." She told us that as she walked through the large market, sellers began to call to her and ask if she needed a chicken, as they were about to close and had some left over. She took two. Then the salad vegetables….also left over and would have gone to waste. The entire meal was provided by the market farmers. None of them had any idea of her situation.
Be encouraged!
Dwight
Dwight Clough is the author of four Christian books and is an active member of Lake City Church in Madison. This devotional is also available via email and you may review the archives back to 2002. To contact Dwight or Kim, use their contact form. You may also support their ministry.